Heavy snowfall and icy winds have disrupted electricity supply in parts of the Eastern Cape, Eskom warned, as technicians face access challenges that may prolong restoration times.
Areas under warning and likely impacts
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 6 warning for disruptive snowfall covering the Chris Hani District and the Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele local municipalities. Snowfall was recorded in parts of the province on Monday and the wintry conditions are expected to persist into Tuesday.
SAWS warned that freezing temperatures, icy roads and strong winds could:
- cause major traffic delays and hazardous travel conditions;
- temporarily cut off some communities; and
- disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas that rely on road access for supplies and emergency services.
Eskom: safety first for field teams
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said field technicians are encountering conditions that make it unsafe or impractical to reach and repair faults in some affected areas, notably in Joe Gqabi and Alfred Nzo districts.
“Communities are urged to remain patient with electricity supply restoration as our technicians are facing challenges due to adverse weather conditions,” Mokwena said. “For the safety of Eskom personnel, technicians may be unable to access certain areas or safely carry out repairs while weather conditions remain hazardous.”
Mokwena added that the access problems could lead to longer-than-normal restoration times and urged residents to exercise extreme caution while the conditions persist. She said Eskom crews remain committed to restoring supply as soon as it is safe and practically possible.
How to report faults and stay informed
Eskom has reminded customers of the quickest channels to report faults and check updates. Faults can be logged through multiple platforms:
- Alfred Chatbot online or on WhatsApp: 08600 37566
- MyEskom Customer App (iStore or Google Play)
- USSD self-service: 12037566#
- Eskom Contact Centre: 08600 37566
Residents should use these channels rather than attempting to contact field teams directly, which can complicate coordination under hazardous conditions.
Practical advice for communities
Given the combination of snow, freezing temperatures and power interruptions, households and travellers in affected areas are advised to:
- avoid non-essential travel while roads are icy or visibility is poor;
- keep mobile phones charged and conserve battery power in case of prolonged outages;
- insulate homes where possible and avoid using open flames or unsafe heating devices indoors;
- check on elderly neighbours and those with medical needs who depend on electricity; and
- follow updates from SAWS and Eskom on weather and restoration progress.
Local impacts and wider context
The Eastern Cape has a mix of mountainous rural municipalities where heavy snow can isolate communities and urban centres with greater connectivity. In remote areas, blocked roads and hazardous conditions make it difficult for emergency services and repair crews to reach faults or respond to accidents.
When technicians cannot reach substations or overhead lines, Eskom is limited to remote monitoring and preparatory work until crews can safely access infrastructure. That scenario increases the risk of extended outages for communities already vulnerable to service interruptions.
| District / Municipality | Warning level / Condition |
|---|---|
| Chris Hani District | Level 6 disruptive snowfall |
| Senqu Municipality | Level 6 disruptive snowfall |
| Elundini Municipality | Level 6 disruptive snowfall |
| Matatiele Municipality | Level 6 disruptive snowfall |
Residents in other parts of the province should stay alert to changing conditions as the weather system moves and evolves.
What to watch for next
Meteorological updates from SAWS will determine whether warnings are extended or downgraded. Eskom has indicated restorations will continue where safe access exists and that updates will be provided via its contact channels. In the interim, local authorities and emergency services are likely to prioritise road clearing and checks on vulnerable households.
Residents impacted by outages or snow-related emergencies should use the contact channels above for faults and rely on municipal emergency numbers for immediate life-or-death situations.
